By Nicola MarshSurely there is no greater feeling than typing those two little words when you finish slogging over your pride and joy?
‘THE END’.
Finished. Done. Complete.
After all the hard work, all the inspiration, battling the sagging middle, nutting out the internal conflicts, getting your characters to resolve their differences and creating a happily-ever-after that is truly sigh-worthy, there is no greater feeling than typing those two tiny magical words.
For many of us, we can take our time doing all of the above. But what if you don’t have that luxury? What if writing to deadline is a must?
Here are a few things which work for me:
CLOCK WATCHING
When I’m on deadline, which seems to be fairly constant these days considering I write for 2 Harlequin series, I’m a self-confessed clock-watcher. What this means for me is that I only have a small window of opportunity to write each day due to family commitments so I make the most of that time. If you have 2 hours a day, make the most of every minute. If you have 10 minutes a day, make the most of every second. Many writers swear by egg timers, where you set your allocated time limit for the day and write like mad, only stopping when the buzzer goes off. For me, it’s enough to glance at the clock, know I only have 15 minutes left and off I go, trying to get to the end of the next scene before tomorrow.
GOAL SETTING
If you only have a limited time to write a book (eg. a month) it is much easier to set achievable goals with the time you have. For example, if you can average 10 pages a day and write 5 days a week, you know that you’ll just get that book done in a month. Breaking down the monstrous task into bite-size chunks can take the pressure off (or at least give you a false sense of security!)
MAKE THE MOST OF EVERY SECOND
If you’re anything like me, you don’t often get a spare second to yourself. That’s life. However, one thing I’ve learned to do when on deadline is make the most of any unexpected time. Keep a notebook handy while you’re waiting to pick up the kids; outlining your next scene in dot points can save precious time later. Waiting at the check-out? Ditto. Dinner under control? An extra five minutes at the PC can make those words add up.
ME TIME
‘What’s that?’ I hear many of you scream in outrage and I hear you!
However, working to deadline is tough work and mentally draining so to keep yourself in top form during this stressful time you need time out.
You’re a caffeine addict? Grab regular coffees AWAY from the keyboard.
You like to devour books? Read a chapter to unwind, inspire, whatever, but read for enjoyment not research!
Without quality ‘me time’ you run the risk of burn-out and there’s no way that book will get finished, deadline or not, if that happens, so look after yourself.
MOVE IT OR LOSE IT
I was a physiotherapist in a previous life and while I’m a lazy person at heart and not into exercise at all (shh! Don’t tell all those poor patients I badgered to exercise!!) I strongly urge you all to move regularly while writing. Long, unbroken stints at the computer may result in chronic postural problems-and pain!-so to effectively meet the demands of deadlines, take regular breaks away from the PC, even if it’s to stretch a few times before planting your butt back in the chair.
MOTIVATION
For me, meeting deadlines is a cinch when I’m motivated. Considering I have a mortgage and bills to pay while also saving for my kids’ education, I’m extremely motivated all of the time!
Of course, it’s nice to dream that one day I’ll be writing my books while lying under one of these palm trees, so that’s pretty motivating too!
Writing to deadline is hard work, so whatever works for you, do it.
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- Day 2 – Speed Writing by Nicola MarshFor some of us writing comes as naturally as breathing. It’s not who we are but it’s something we just have to do. That said, it can be darn hard work getting those words to make sense, getting those characters to behave and most importantly, getting the...
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Thanks, Nicola!
I just finished follwing advice I’d read here on this blog, combined with soem advice I’d gleaned frm Yasmine Galenorn’s past writing blogs, and a deisre to just get something on the page. :write
I now have word count! Yay! it’s not much compared to everyone else right now, I’m sure, but it’s a heakc of a lot better than zero. According to Word, I have 2052 words logged in, now, after about 30-40 minutes of writing. I am wicked tired, now, but I just could not seem to stop writing this scene until my leading man exited, stage left. it’s probably dross, but I’m just happy to have started. And I am writing my second story idea, the one my friend preferred. We’ll see where these voices in my head lead me.
Cheers!
Have a grand Monday & Happy Cinco de Mayo! :party
Justine
Justine,
this is fabulous!!!!
I’m so glad you started the story you wanted and the words flew :dance
Thanks, Nicola. Great tips!
Things really start to stiffen up with these marathon sessions! LOL
Carol
Oops! forgot my totals:
May 3: 1619 words
May 4:2098 words
May 5: 2145 words…
Wonderful advice. I also use a timer. I set it for 30 minute intervals and it is amazing how fast the time goes.
I am a compulsive Word Count watcher. I’ll type a paragraph, then go check the word count again.
Anyway, didn’t write at all Fri, Sat or Sun. But have done 500 words so far today, even after taking the time to clean out the attic crawlspace.
Back to writing now.
Approx. 1,600 in WIP since start of challenge on the first. Pitiful, it will get better.
Great post, Nicola! Thanks!
Haven’t been able to write at all today…yet. Darn day job :thumbdown But tonight I have 2 hours blocked out just waiting for my fingers to meet the keys :clap and I can’t wait.
I’ll check in tomorrow with my new word count.
Great progress, everyone!
Marcy
As of today I’ve got 2500 words.
CatJohnson – 1600 is not pitiful at all! It’s 1600 more than you had on Thursday!
Yay, you guys! Words on the page, happy in the heart!
:wave
Justine
Excellent tips!
As of May 5th I’ve got: 9157 words woohoo!
Gotta love a Saturday spent at the keyboard *hugs keyboard*
Great blog! I never watch word count or work to deadlines except for challenges. They’re a great motivator and a lot of fun, but if I’m on a “roll” at other times I actually get more writing done than when I’m trying to get a certain number of words! I like the buzz challenges generate and the camaraderie of talking to others in “the same boat,” so I love them anyway!
Today: 969 words, total 5489
After a very sluggish start this weekend, I’m doing much better today. I’ve got 859 words so far today, even though I spent most of it at the evil day job. :banana My total is about 2700.
Now that I’ve got the ball rolling (so to speak) on this story, it’s really flowing well. I’m hoping that continues.
Some of you are really doing well! :bow Congrats to all who are flying along, and for those of you who are in my boat–we can do it!
Thanks Nic,
You have excelled yourself once again with your tips & advice. :wave
Word Count up to Day 5: 6737 :write
:banana :cooldance
Hugs
Sandie :hug
2158 here.
The tally is in… 846 words today. Not quite at my target of 1000 but better than a kick in the pants. And a total of 2692 words since the challenge started. I have to pick up the pace a bit but at least I’m writing every day. So I’m happy! :dance
Marcy
I need someone to visit my place with a cattle prod….
Oh well, will try and do better tomorrow.
Okay, My Day 5 total word count is: 6,344
I’m making progress.
L
Okay…I am behind. Right now at 10:30pm I am sitting at 657 words. I hope to get a few more words tonight but I can’t guarantee it. :whistle
I am still shooting for the 25K word count. I love the story but time is at a premium.
Leila… :write again and again.
Well, I had my wonderful BDSM weekend seminars, plus two nights worth of scening, which were both awesome. Then Sunday night I had to study for my final, so I was up alllll night. And now I’m sort of wobbling, but still trying to get some words in. Even though I’m about 4 days behind. :cry Hopefully I can just catch up on sleep tonight and get a second wind tomorrow.
Starting point 5/5: 6,204 words
Ending point as of day 5: 7,721 words
Many blessings,
Dena Celeste
You’re all inspiring, so much so that I’ve had to sit down and finish my next Harlequin Romance.
Started this one in January, then life got in the way, revisions came in, another book got through, proof edits, you name it, it happened.
So I’ve forced myself to finish it these last few nights.
Word count: 4000
Exhaustion level: off the scale
I take a drive. My characters love to chatter away when we’re on a road trip and give me some fascinating insight into them then.
It’s true, it’s whatever works for you.
Linda
Driving works for me, too! When I’m driving along, listening to music, I seem to get inspired.
And Emily, I’m cheering you on! :write
Here I sit what started as inspiration ahs now scared me silly. that little evil voice raised it head telling I was wasting time :think Maybe spent too much time thinking. Ok here I go back to the keyboard for my story. I am at 5,287 total words. I need to muzzle my hubby he wants to chat about our niece and their problems with housing. I told him I don’t know they are trying ( :pound :pound :pound ——->Hubby). I listen to her vent about living with my sister and she is happy now. Maybe I can figure out what I want these people in the story to do now. :waving :wave :bounce :write
Day 6 is BIG…a big voting day, that is…LOL
So, after the big rush, I managed 1192 words.
Carol